Kate, John and Syrena's Visit, August 2 - 6,2009

A funny thing happened on the way to the park! As we were driving on to Letchworth State Park, Kate's John could sense prop-wash! Sure enough we found an old airfield operated by the 1941 Historic Aircraft Group (HAG). It is comprised of World War II era aircraft. Here at the left is Kate and Syrena in the nose gunners space of a B-17 WW-II bomber. Yes this is the actual aircraft that was in the movie "Memphis Belle". I had a nice opportunity to converse with the pilot who took her over to England, the location where the movie was shot. Even more rare was the privilege he allowed us to actually enter the plane and look around!


Syrena and John eyeing the belts of 0.50" ( 12.7mm) rounds that were fired from the guns.

Kate in the cockpit controls of the Memphis Belle. The size of this plane is hard to capture here in the hanger.

The story here that goes with the tail lettering on this plane

is that the fellows that operate the 1941 Historic Aircraft Group decided to have some mementos manufactured for their annual fest. They had printed some tee shirts and hats with "1941 HAG" lettering. They said although popular with the guys the women weren't buying hats that said "1941 HAG" I wonder why?

They also had a 1944 (I think) Willey's Military Jeep. In my humble but correct opinion this is the WW-II vehicle which

earned Jeep its reputation. Since Willey's stopped manufacturing them the Jeep has gone down hill and the name isn't even worth the metal its printed on.



This picture gives a little more perspective as to the size of this beast. (Although I am not that big)

This is Syrena standing next to another plane. I don't remember what it is. You'd have to ask John.

Likewise..... The Blog would be to large if I were to show all of the pictures we took.....

Our group from Vermont and New Hampshire has arrived. This was supposed to be the first picture but I am still not to adept with the "blog spot" software. I know, I know its free so not to complain. Kate and John have a really nice Airstream camping trailer. We enjoyed so very much their visit and hope they got to unwind a little from their frantic paced life....